December 06,  2003

For Immediate Release
Richmond, VA –

A prominent group of African American legislators, mayors, ministers, local elected officials and Democratic leaders in Virginia announced today the formation of an advisory committee to support John Kerry campaign in the state.  The committee will work closely with the state and national Kerry campaign on issues of importance to the African American community.

“I’m proud to have the support of so many leaders in the African American community. These friends represent a broad support for my campaign and what I’m trying to do to change America.  Together we will restore common sense in the White House on every issue from affirmative action to health care to education to jobs,” said John Kerry.

The committee members include:

                 ·       State Senator Henry Marsh, Richmond

                 ·       Delegate Lionell Spruill, Sr., Chesapeake

                 ·       Delegate Fenton L.Bland, Jr., Petersburg

                 ·       Delegate Kenneth C. Alexander, Norfolk

                 ·       Mayor William E. Ward, Chesapeake

                 ·       Mayor Rosalyn R. Dance, Petersburg

                 ·       Former Mayor and Chair of Democratic Party Black Caucus Josephine Marshall, South Boston

                 ·       Former Mayor Walter Kenney, Richmond

                 ·       Former Mayor Hermanze Fauntleroy, Petersburg

                 ·       Board of Supervisors Doretha Moody, Dinwiddie County

                 ·       Bishop Gerald O. Glenn, Chesterfield County

                 ·       Pastor Peter Jeffery, Petersburg

                 ·       School Board Member Zelda Tucker-Dugger, Petersburg

                 ·       School Board Member Dr. Maduabuchi A. Igbani, Charlottesville

                 ·       Democratic National Committee Member Jennifer McClellan, Richmond

                 ·      Porcher Taylor Veteran, Democratic Activist, Petersburg

                 ·       Leslie Speight, Veteran, Democratic Activist, Petersburg

                 ·       Charlene Christopher, Local Committee Chair, Norfolk

                 ·       Beverly Murray, Local Committee Chair, Petersburg

                 ·       Mary Redd Nelson, Former Legislative aide and Democrat Activist, Virginia Beach

                 ·       Valerie Braxton-Williams, Legislative aide and Democratic Activist, Richmond

                 ·       Vivian Williamson, Educator, Petersburg

                 ·       Shirley Johnson, Community/Democratic Activist, Fredericksburg

                 ·       Brenda King , Former college administrator, Spotsylvania

                 ·       Allison Lawrence Young Professional, Richmond

                 ·       Charleen Hinton, Law Enforcement, Richmond

                 ·       Karen Waters, Community Leader, Charlottesville